Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services that allow users to travel conveniently between destinations. Whether taking a long trip to the airport or a quick ride to work, these services are utilized by numerous people each day. Passengers trust that their Uber or Lyft driver will transport them safely and securely.
Unfortunately, many car accidents occur involving Uber and Lyft drivers. You typically cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident. However, both ridesharing services carry insurance policies to cover damages caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can provide assistance when filing a claim.
If you have been injured because of an Uber or Lyft accident in Schenectady, get help recovering the financial compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Suing Uber and Lyft Directly After Accidents Involving Their Drivers in Schenectady
You usually will not be able to sue Uber and Lyft directly after accidents involving their drivers. Uber and Lyft drivers are technically classified as independent contractors, rather than employees. Accordingly, Uber and Lyft usually cannot be held responsible for the careless or reckless actions of their drivers.
There are extremely rare circumstances where lawsuits may be filed directly against Uber or Lyft after accidents involving their drivers. For instance, ridesharing companies may be held liable for engaging in negligent hiring practices. If Uber or Lyft failed to perform a background check before hiring a driver with a poor driving record, they may be sued for damages caused by that driver. Our Schenectady Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can review your case to determine if you may bring a claim directly against a rideshare company.
Filing Insurance Claims After Uber and Lyft Accidents in Schenectady
In most cases, victims will file insurance claims to recover damages after accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers. Passengers and pedestrians injured in Uber and Lyft accidents may pursue economic damages under the rideshare companies’ insurance policies. Our experienced Schenectady Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help victims when filing their claims.
Other motorists injured in Uber and Lyft accidents will typically have to seek compensation through their own insurance policies. Schenectady courts follow no-fault car insurance rules, which means that drivers usually have to recover economic damages from their own insurer. Only in cases where victims suffered serious injuries or property damages may claims be brought against at-fault Uber and Lyft drivers. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident as another motorist, our team can help evaluate the full range of legal options available to you during a free case review.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Uber and Lyft Accidents in Schenectady
Uber and Lyft accidents can result in many types of injuries. The legal strategies that apply to your case can depend on the severity of injuries suffered. Some injuries occur more often than others. The following are common types of injuries caused by Uber and Lyft accidents in Schenectady:
Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries are a common type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. In many cases, victims will suffer soft tissue injuries to the muscles in their back or neck. Such injuries can happen in accidents that occur at high or low speeds. Soft tissue injuries in the back and neck can be extremely painful and debilitating, often causing victims to miss time at work.
In more severe cases, Uber and Lyft accident victims may suffer spinal cord damage. Spinal cord damage can cause long-lasting immobility or permanent paralysis. The medical treatments required for spinal cord injuries can be very expensive. Furthermore, such injuries can have detrimental effects on victims’ quality of life. Our Schenectady car accident lawyers can help Uber and Lyft accident victims recover the multitude of damages related to their spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
In severe cases, Uber and Lyft accident victims often suffer traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, are usually caused by a blow to the head. These injuries can also produce life-long effects that inhibit victims’ abilities to perform the same activities they could before their accidents.
Broken Bones
Additionally, broken bones are a common type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents in Schenectady. Broken bones often require a great deal of medical care. Also, more severe breaks may require surgical treatment to repair. Our Schenectady Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help refer the right doctors for the treatment of your broken bones.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are another common type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. Knee injuries are frequently caused by victims’ knees being smashed into a part of a vehicle. Those with pre-existing injuries and senior citizens are especially susceptible to suffering knee injuries in Uber and Lyft crashes.
Wrist Injuries
Many Uber and Lyft accident victims will extend their arms and use their hands to brace themselves during a crash. Accordingly, wrist injuries are also a common type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. Many wrist injuries require surgical treatment.
Internal Injuries
Lastly, some Uber and Lyft accidents can cause internal injuries. Internal injuries refer to internal bleeding or damage to internal organs. Such injuries can have severe or even fatal symptoms.
However, internal injuries may not become noticeable until a period of time has passed. For example, those with internal injuries may not experience pain until days after a crash. If you suspect you may have suffered internal injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
If You Were Injured Because of an Uber or Lyft Accident in Schenectady, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured because of an Uber or Lyft accident in Schenectady, seek assistance from our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.